Speak your truth
The crisp morning air greets me and the weight of the week's classes and the burden of Mattheo momentarily slip away as I make my way down the sloping path towards Hogsmeade. The village came into view, nestled between rolling hills and kissed by the warm hues of autumn.
I stroll down the cobblestone street, crooked buildings line the way as I stop in front of Gladrags Wizardwear. I push open the creaking door, a tinkling bell announces my arrival and the warm embrace of colourful fabrics enveloped me.
A voice, filled with excitement, cuts through the air. “Finally, you're here.” I follow the sound of the voice and find Daphne in the changing room, donned in a vibrant top, the emerald green fabric complementing her blonde hair. Pansy is to the left of me, browsing through the many racks of clothes and Blaise is sitting on a worn, leather couch in front of the changing rooms.
I walk over to sit with Blaise as Daphne twirls in the changing room. “What do you think of this top?” she asks, her eyes sparkling
“It’s cute Daph, suits you.” I nod in approval.
“Thank you” She beams, a smile forming on her lips. “See Blaise, Aurora thinks it’s cute” Daphne declared, spinning to face him.
Blaise leans back on the couch, eyeing her critically “She’s lying, you look like a fucking christmas tree.” He states bluntly.
Daphne raises her eyebrow and looks Blaise up and down. “Coming from someone dressed like that, I don’t even know why I asked you in the first place.”
“You asked for my opinion, I’m just speaking my truth.” He shrugs, putting his hands up defensively.
“No one gives a shit about your truth Zabini. Get it Daph.” Pansy interjects, making her presence known.
Daphne gives Pansy a warm smile, but her attention quickly shifts as she spots a pretty purple dress hanging on a nearby rack. She hurries over to investigate, leaving Blaise and me in conversation.
I turn to Blaise curious. "I know you love shopping, but I didn't expect to see you here. Don’t you have Quidditch practice?" I inquire, raising an eyebrow.
"Nah, got moved to later. Just looking for a gift," he replies casually, his eyes scanning the array of clothing.
"Ooooh, for who?" I prod.
Daphne interrupts with a dramatic sigh. "Ugh, don’t get me started. I’ve been trying to get him to fess up all day, but he won’t tell me who the poor girl is." She shoots Blaise a mockingly exasperated look.
I chuckle as I lean back on the couch. “Well you’re not trying very hard to find her a gift.”
Blaise shrugs a smirk playing on his lips “I’ve got ideas, I’m just contemplating.”
Daphne lets out a little gasp and spins to Blaise with a red, lacy, v-cut top “What about this? She’ll love it.”
Blaise eyes the top briefly before shaking his head. “Nah, not her style.”
I look around and notice a cute bag hanging from the shelf. “Ooooh, surely she’d like this.” I say as I walk up from the couch to try it on myself.
“Nope.” undeterred all 3 of us continue pulling out various clothes and accessories. However, every suggestion is met with a firm ‘no’.
Daphne, growing frustrated, finally cracks it. “You're being impossible. Just tell us who this gift is for so we can help you pick something out."
Jokingly, I reach for an abominable bright yellow sweater with strange-looking flowers. “How about this?” I playfully suggest, holding it up.
Daphne throws her head back in laughter, “Oh, yes, that's the one.” However, our laughter abruptly fades when Blaise snatches the sweater out of my hands, studying it with seriousness.
“Hmm, maybe,” he muses, his expression genuinely thoughtful. The room falls into a silence as Pansy, Daphne, and I exchange perplexed glances.
Pansy’s voice breaks the quiet. “What the fuck,” she states, her incredulous expression mirroring my own.
Just as we think the situation couldn't get any stranger, Blaise's eyes light up with an idea. Without a word, he shoves the peculiar sweater back into my hands. “I’ll be back.” Without another word, he strides out of Gladrags Wizardwear, making his way towards the jewelry store across the street.
We're left standing there, grappling with the turn of events.
“He’s an odd man,” I mutter.
Daphne shakes her head and chuckles. “You don't say.”
Confusion still playing on our minds, we go back to sifting through the array of colorful clothes and trying on outfits.
Daphne suddenly lets out a slight gasp and whirls her head around to look at me. “Merlin Aurora, I totally forgot, aren’t you meeting up with Ben today.” She queries, her excitement palpable.
I nod as a slight smile sneaks onto my lips “Yeah, we’re heading to the Three Broomsticks for lunch.”
Daphne's eyes light up as she claps her hands together. “That’s so adorable! You guys would look so good together, oh my, imagine your babies-”
I quickly cut her off before she could continue. “Merlin Daph, slow down. I’ve only had about 2 conversations with the guy.” I chuckle.
The smirk on her lips grows even wider. “Please, I know you’ve thought about it.”
I playfully roll my eyes and turn back to the dress I was looking at. “I’m not engaging in this conversation,” I reply firmly as Daphne narrows her eyes at me.
We eventually leave the store, Daphne’s arms full of bags. Just as we step out into the bustling street of Hogsmede, Blaise emerges out of the store across from us.
Immediately, Daphne rushes over to him, “What did you get, Show me!”
“No.” Blaise says nonchalantly. His expression betrays nothing as he stares blankly at her.
Daphne groans like a child and points her finger towards him. “I will find out who she is, mark my words.”
Before Daphne's threats can escalate, I catch sight of Ben down the street. Seizing the opportunity I quickly excuse myself from the conversation and make my way over to him.
"Well hello there," I say, coming up behind Ben with a playful grin. He turns around, and his sparkling eyes meet mine as a charming smile graces his lips.
"Hey! Wow, you look stunning," he compliments, and I can't help but tilt my head slightly to the side, letting my grin grow even wider. "Thank you. What have you been up to?"
He shrugs casually. "Nothing much, just homework. I swear it’s only been a week and I've already got piles of it." His eyes meet mine with interest. "How are you liking Hogsmeade?"
I smile, gesturing to the charming little shops. "It's quite lovely. Reminds me of the boutiques in Paris."
His eyebrows raise with curiosity. "I've never been to Paris, you know. What's it like there?"
I find myself immersed in the memories that I haven’t really had time to think about since I got to Hogwarts. “Paris feels as though you’re in a painting, you know? The streets are lined with these beautiful buildings. And the cafes have the most delicious pastries you’ll ever taste in your life. It's enchanting, really. But my favourite part of France would have to be in the Pyrenees mountains, where Beauxbatons is.”
I smile to myself, the sound of autumn leaves crunching beneath my feet and nostalgia takes over as I remember my old school. “Beauxbatons was breathtaking. The castle is adorned with crystal chandeliers, and surrounded by all these beautiful flowers that bloom even in the heart of winter. It's like something out of a fairytale. And I spent everyday with my two best friends Margot and Gabrielle, they were basically my family. Margot is the sweetest person i’ve ever met in my life, she wouldn’t hurt a fly…. Gabrielle is the opposite in a sense.”
Stopping abruptly, I catch myself, realizing I've perhaps shared more than intended. “Merlin I’m so sorry, I got a bit carried away.” I look up at him apologetically.
Ben chuckles, his eyes locked onto mine. "No need to apologize. I could listen to you talk about it all day. You've got a pretty voice."
A slight blush creeps onto my cheek. Ew I never blush. I inwardly groan at my own reaction but Ben's smile remains, and I can't help but be grateful for the genuine interest in his eyes.
Just as I’m about to respond, out of the corner of my eye I see Harry walking towards me. With a smile, I wave at him and he stops in front of Ben and I.
“Ben this is Harry, Harry this is Ben,” I say as I turn to see Ben with a look of awe straight away he sticks out his arm.
“Good to see you, Harry.” With his glasses slightly askew, Harry shakes Ben's hand back.
“Yeah, hi Ben.” He says in his usual kind voice.
“Doing some shopping, Harry?” I give Harry a grin as a smile spreads across his face.
“I am actually… But I need some help. You would mind if I talked with you for a moment?” Harry pulls his hands behind his back and looks between Ben and me. He had an odd expression on his face almost like he was nervous. I give Harry a nod and turn to Ben.
“You wouldn’t mind would you?” I say as I tilt my head.
He waits a second before replying with a sigh, “It's fine.”
Before I can even say thank you Harry grabs my upper arm and pulls me into the crowd quickly weaving us through a gaggle of witches and wizards.
“Harry!” I say harshly as he nearly crashes into a group of witches. Merlin, I sound like Narcissa right now. Harry doesn't respond, he just pulls me from the walkway into one of the allies and then into the first door on the left. The second I am in the emptied unused room Harry slams the door shut and locks it.
“Harry, what in Merlin’s name is going on?!” Trying to catch my breath from having to run the length of a quidditch pitch in heels.
“I need to tell, well, more like show you something and no one can know.” Harry fixed his glasses once again as he looks guiltily back at me.
I let out a small huff, “This better be worth it not only did I just leave my date, but I'm pretty sure my feet are bleeding.” I go to take out my wand to conjure a chair to sit on when I see Harry do the same only he is pointing his wand at my feet, before I can say anything a small flash of white light shoots down, all I can feel is a soft cooling sensation, as my feet begin to feel like they are standing on clouds. All the pain I was feeling seconds ago instantly vanished. With a shocked expression, I look back up at Harry.
“Did you just cast a non-verbal shoe-comforting charm?!” My eyes are blown wide and I can see that Harry is trying not to laugh.
“My feet always get sore from, like, saving the wizarding world every other week, so Hermione showed me this spell.” I let out a scoff as I smiled at him.
“Thank you.” He nods in reply as we both reholster our wands.
“So do you forgive me for dragging you through Hogsmeade?” I pretend to look like I am debating this question.
“Only if you agree to perform that spell on all my shoes.” Harry immediately burst out in laughter,
“Deal,” He says as he laughs, causing me to laugh as well, and, for a second, I don't realize the large black dog coming through the dog door.
"Harry, you did not just drag me all the way here to show me a dog," I protest, smiling as I hit his shoulder. However, Harry just looks at me, his eyes filled with an anticipation I can't quite understand. Then, out of nowhere, the dog starts to transform into a human. My smile quickly fades as I take a step back in shock.
Standing before me is a man with tousled black hair and striking gray eyes. For a moment, my mind races as if I've seen this man before.
"Harry, who is this?" I ask, my gaze still fixed on the man looking back at me.
He turns to me with a knowing smile. "Aurora, meet Sirius, Sirius Black."
My eyes widen further as the realization hits me—it's my uncle, the same uncle Narcissa mentioned had escaped Azkaban. I'm frozen, staring at him in disbelief, my heart pounding in my chest.
"Merlin, you still have your mother's smile, Aurora. Last time I saw you, you were cradled in her arms." The warmth in his eyes contrasts sharply with the icy resentment that fills my heart.
I scoff in disbelief. “How can you stand there and say that?” I say with a cold firm voice. “You do not have the right to talk about her, not after what you did.”
Sirius’ once nostalgic expression is now replaced with sorrow, as he inches slightly towards me. “Aurora please let me explain-”
I cut him off and point my finger to refrain him from getting closer, my anger boiling over. "No. I don't want to hear your excuses. You betrayed my mother and Harry's parents, and I won't forget that."
I feel a hand gently lay on my shoulder and I turn to meet Harry’s pleading eyes. “Just hear him out.” He says in a soft, whispered tone. I take a deep breath, trusting Harry. Reluctantly I turn back to face Sirius with my arms crossed, I force out a bitter "Fine."
Sirius looks at me, his expression holding a depth of pain and regret. "Aurora, I need you to know, it wasn't me who betrayed Lily, James and Jane. It was Peter Pettigrew.” He explains, his voice weighted with a burden that has lingered for years.
"He was a friend of ours at Hogwarts," Sirius adds. "But he chose the wrong path. Lily, James, and Jane paid the price for that choice."
The air feels as though it tightens around me. My breath catches in my throat as the reality of years of misunderstanding starts to dawn. Sirius goes on, recounting the events leading to their betrayal, the fateful night when everything changed. "Peter, was the last person we'd suspected. He betrayed us, led Voldemort to them, and framed me. I was innocent, but the world thought otherwise. I was imprisoned in Azkaban for a crime I didn't commit."
His eyes burn into mine as he continues, “I loved Jane like a sister. After Regulus died, I visited her every week. I still remember the day you were born," he says, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. He turns to Harry, with a fleeting smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You too."
But his smile is short-lived as he looks down to the ground. “I would’ve died for each one of them.” He mutters. “But I failed them.” His gaze rises back up and lingers on me and Harry.
The air itself seems to hold its breath as Sirius' revelation hangs heavy. Realization hits that I have spent my entire life harboring bitterness towards a man who bore the scars of loss as much as myself. The room, once filled with accusations, now echoes with the silence of truth.
"I... I'm so sorry," the words escape my lips, but they feel insufficient, inadequate for the magnitude of what I have discovered.
Sirius, with a cautious yet understanding gaze, reaches out and places his hand on my arm. “Don’t be sorry, It’s a lot to take in.” His touch, though tentative, carries a warmth that's a healing to wounds I never knew existed.
My eyes, blurred by unshed tears, search his face for any sign of deception. But all I find is a vulnerability that matches my own, a shared pain that transcends the years that have kept us apart. In this moment of profound realization, the weight of my misplaced anger begins to lift, replaced by an overwhelming sense of regret. The room feels too small, as if the very walls are closing in on me.
Without a second thought, almost instinctively, I wrap my arms around Sirius for comfort. The tears that were once imprisoned within now cascade down my cheeks, an unspoken acknowledgement of a lost time. In the fragile embrace, the shattered fragments of a broken past begin to mend.
The worn leather of Sirius’s Jacket feels strangely comforting against my fingertips as we stand embraced with an unspoken understanding. Time, however, is relentless, and with a soft sigh, Sirius breaks the silence. “I must go, Aurora. I’m still hiding, and I can’t risk being here for too long.” He murmurs, as he pulls away. “I'll see both of you again soon. I promise. For now, I'll talk to you through the Floo Network."
Harry and I both say our goodbyes as we watch Sirius leave. I turn back to Harry, finding his eyes searching mine for any lingering traces of distress. “Are you okay?” he asks softly, his concern etched across his face.
A small, sincere smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I try to process the whirlwind of emotions. “Yeah,” I respond, my voice carrying the weight of newfound revelations. “Let’s get out of here though. I need some fresh air after all that.”
Together, we step back into the embrace of the crisp air, the echoes of our footsteps mingling with the rustle of autumn leaves beneath us. The golden hues of the afternoon sun filter through the narrow spaces between the buildings, casting a warm glow.
“You know, as soon as I found out you were coming to Hogwarts, I arranged for you to meet Sirius,” Harry confesses. “I wanted you to hear the truth from him.”
A surge of gratitude swirls within me “Thank you, Harry. It means more than you know.”
As we walk past Three Broomsticks I catch sight of Ben sitting alone, the realization hitting me like a sudden gust of wind. "Oh Merlin," I murmur, my heart quickening. "I better go."
Harry follows my gaze to the pub and lets out a chuckle “Poor guy.” He comments, shaking his head with an amused smile playing on his lips.
I shoot him a glare. "This is your fault. You basically kidnapped me.” I remark.
"Well, I did introduce you to your uncle and basically change your whole life," he says, his grin widening.
"It's still your fault," I insist, pointing my finger accusingly. "I'll catch up with you later."
Without waiting for a response, I rush inside the coffee shop, the door chiming as I enter. The air inside is warm, carrying the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, but my focus remains on Ben.
As I begin to approach him, he looks up at me, a subtle smile gracing his lips. “Well, look who decided to show up.” He remarks. “I thought you’d abandoned me.”
I take a seat and look at him apologetically. “Merlin, I’m so sorry for leaving like that”
He leans back in his chair, his gaze lingering on mine. “No worries. Third times a charm right? Let’s hope there are no interruptions this time.”
I let out a slight chuckle as I take off my coat. “I promise, you have my full attention.”
“Good to know, so are you gonna tell me where you disappeared to?” He questions, leaning in a bit closer.
A soft sigh escapes my lips. “I wish I could tell you, but it’s a bit complicated.”
Ben shakes his head. “So you leave me here by myself for half an hour and then you come back and can't tell me why?” He smirks, a playful glint in his eye as he continues “You are easily becoming one of the most interesting girls I’ve ever met.”
I laugh at his comment and reply with a teasing grin. “Just keeping things interesting. Anyway, let's not talk about that, I’m starving.” Two menus instantly appear in front of us, and a minute later our orders are taken. I get the fish and chips while Ben gets a cornish pasty which I inwardly puke at, I have never been a fan. After a long afternoon of laughing and drinking butterbeer Ben and I finally make it back to Hogwarts just in time to see the sunset over the astronomy tower. Like a gentleman, Ben says he will walk me back to the Slytherin dorms. My feet start to ache when the view of the snake-like door comes into view.
“So are we going to do this again?” Ben still sports a grin as he looks down at me.
“I don’t know. Are you going to beat us in the Quidditch game this week?” A small smile graces my lips as I wait for his answer but in reply his smile only grows.
“Well, I guess you're going to have to come and find out.” I let out an amused laugh as I turned to the door but not before a hand grabbed my arm.
“Aurora…I really enjoyed today.” The smugness of Ben’s voice was replaced by genuine happiness and I couldn't help but feel my heartbeat quicken.
“So did I.” I gently pulled my arm out of his grasp and unlocked the door to the common room.